OneRepublic release new video for ‘Better Days’ in support of COVID-19 relief

Let’s face it, we’ve all seen better days. With today marking the start of quarantine week 5 for most Canadians, many of us are starting to feel the effects of so much time spent cooped up inside. TV binges and endless daytime snacks are cool and all, but so is spending time with friends and family in real life. Not to mention, most of us finished our isolation snack supply by the end of week 1.

Fortunately, good news still exists, along with the occasional cheery reminder that this too shall pass — a sentiment which OneRepublic was eager to express to fans. In light of current circumstances, the Ryan Tedder-led band felt that we could all use a little hope right now, and decided to release a feel-good video for their song “Better Days” on Monday. The best part? The video was released in support of WHO's COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund, and donations can be made directly to the fund from the video's YouTube page. Additionally, OneRepublic and Interscope Records have pledged to donate a portion of the proceeds from "Better Days" streams through September to MusiCares' COVID-19 Relief Fund.

“Better Days” was actually written during quarantine, after OneRepublic returned from their European tour. The feel-good music video is a complete fan feature, arriving a month after the band asked fans around the world to share images and videos of their quarantine experience.

With thousands of submissions in just under a week, the band worked alongside director Josh Ricks to compile an uplifting visual showcasing the resilience (and unwavering optimism) of individuals around the world during this global pandemic. Combined with sweeping drone imagery of empty stadiums, quiet streets, deserted beaches, and audio clips of recent news coverage, the video tells the story of COVID-19 and the response of global communities in a cinematic and moving way.

[video_embed id='1938576']RELATED: JLo and Diddy reunite for charity dance-a-thon[/video_embed]Featuring smiling faces from New York City and Texas all the way to Italy, Kazakhstan, and more, individuals hold up signs with lyrics from the song and commend the bravery of frontline workers during these trying time. Lot’s of hugs, thumbs up, and reminders that we have to “stay positive” ensue as the song plays on — and did we mention all the dogs that just got their big music video break? 

I'm watching for the 3rd time now ? Powerful and kept me smiling...just what I needed. Thank you for the beautiful song and music video ?

— J≡NNIFER (@skeletonpuppets) April 13, 2020

The video also provides plenty of inspiration in the realm of inventive ways to spend time in quarantine, showing OneRepublic fans exercising at home, dancing, meditating, and even playing a game of ‘keep up’ with a spare toilet paper role.

It’s no doubt a difficult time for all of us right now, but better days will come, and this music video paired with OneRepublic's commitment to supporting coronavirus relief funds sure do help to stay positive.[video_embed id='1937552']RELATED: The 'Sex and the City' cast reunited for a great cause[/video_embed]